Disseminated histoplasmosis in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Report of five cases from a nonendemic area

Abstract

Disseminated histoplasmosis is predominantly a disease of the immunocompromised. However, it has been reported infrequently in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and then almost exclusively from patients residing in endemic areas. We report five cases of disseminated histoplasmosis in patients with AIDS in a nonendemic area. The initial diagnosis was made by fiberoptic bronchoscopy in three patients and by bone marrow and liver biopsy specimens in one patient each. All patients had fungemia, septic shock, and multiple organ involvement. Three patients had a fulminant course and died within four weeks. Two patients had more prolonged courses, with one survival period of ten months. We conclude that patients with AIDS are at high risk to contract disseminated histoplasmosis with an extremely high morbidity and mortality. This risk is not limited to residents of endemic areas.